Chapter 245: Wu Jingzhong's Art of Internal Strife

The office.

Li Ya was writing and calculating accounts on a piece of paper.

"Eating Western food."

"Buying candied haws."

"Silk stockings, theater tickets, movie tickets."

"..."

The super-strong memory capacity brought by the Qingpu Class special training allowed Li Ya to clearly list every single expense since he first met Mei Yingxue.

After confirming there were no omissions.

He totted up the bill; he had spent less than eighty silver dollars on Mei Yingxue.

This was thanks to Mei Yingxue's love for feigning purity and acting grand.

Li Ya had tried to give her valuable jewelry and ornaments several times, but she had refused them on the grounds that they weren't married and it wasn't appropriate to accept expensive gifts.

On the contrary, Mei Yingxue had given him quite a few nice things.

The woman was wealthy, at least, and loved to put on airs of taste.

The wristwatch, suit, leather shoes, and tie she gave him were all famous brand-name goods.

Of course, there was also that damned pair of green socks.

Li Ya calculated carefully; since he started seeing Mei Yingxue, not only had he not lost money, he had made a net profit of at least a thousand US dollars in gifts.

Plus the money she borrowed from him that night to pay back Ma Hansan.

She probably wouldn't live long enough to pay that money back.

With all this back and forth, he had made at least four thousand US dollars.

That didn't even include the times he had touched her.

At least that snow-white skin of hers was truly not bad.

After the calculations, Li Ya's originally depressed mood instantly improved.

Now, what was missing?

To maximize the benefits, he had to sleep with this cheap woman a few times.

Not for anything else, but he just couldn't stand her sycophantic, bitchy air; if he didn't handle her, he would be letting down the hot blood of a Huaxia man.

"Ring-a-ling."

The phone rang.

Li Ya answered; it was a call from the Inspection Division of the Agriculture and Mining Bureau: "It's me."

"Good, I know."

"Tell Director Zhao of the Agriculture and Mining Bureau."

"If a single digit of this data leaks, I will have him executed on the spot."

He hung up the phone.

Li Ya leaned back and rubbed his chin, pondering.

At the moment, James, the British royal family, and the Republican faction within North America were attempting to strike at the American military aid faction by cutting off military aid.

Li Ya had no interest in the infighting of the Americans.

But whoever wanted to cut off the lifeblood of the National Army, he would still fight with blood and sweat without hesitation, just as he had at Jinshanwei back in the day.

At this juncture, the Agriculture and Mining Bureau establishing an Inspection Division was surely the intention of the Generalissimo or Jianfeng.

The Station Chief had gone to Jingling before; perhaps it was for this very matter.

Letting him serve as the Inspection Division Chief, besides the trust of the Station Chief and Jianfeng, likely had another layer of meaning.

Cleaning house.

This was also why the Station Chief secretly held a disapproving attitude toward the marriage with Mei Yingxue.

And why Jianfeng and he had no clear instructions.

Once this matter was made public, even if he hacked Mei Yingxue into eighteen pieces, he would still be labeled an accomplice in sabotaging military aid.

Therefore, it could only be done in secret.

Issuing the agriculture and mining data at this time...

Li Ya stood up, cupped his chin, and paced back and forth; suddenly, his eyes darkened, and he vaguely grasped the key to the matter.

"Captain Li, busy?"

Just as he was pondering, Hong Zhiyou pushed the door open and walked in: "Captain Li, are you in?"

"Brother, is something up?" Li Ya stuck his hand in his pocket, raised an eyebrow, and asked with a smile.

"I passed by a dessert shop today and heard the ladies say it was quite good."

"I bought some cakes for you and your sister-in-law on the way."

Hong Zhiyou handed over the beautifully packaged small cakes.

"What sister-in-law."

"We aren't even married yet, there's not even a shadow of a plan, right?"

"Thanks, brother."

Li Ya smiled and took them.

"Sit."

"Brother, you're a veteran in the romance game."

"Do you have any, you know, methods?"

Li Ya blinked and asked.

Since he wanted to handle Mei Yingxue, he couldn't lose his edge.

Hong Zhiyou immediately understood what he meant.

Sigh!

Once some people get used to foreign goods, nothing else works.

"You wait."

He turned back and brought him a box of velvet antler powder: "This works!"

"Miss Mei is too reserved, believing in some bullshit foreign religion; can't touch this, can't touch that, the rules are truly many." Li Ya didn't stand on ceremony and put it in his pocket.

"Women, they're all reserved on the surface, but in reality, they're dying for you to be proactive."

"Don't say anything, just handle her and that's it."

"If you indulge them, you'll suffer endless losses."

Hong Zhiyou blinked with a frivolous smile and imparted the true essence.

"I've learned much," Li Ya laughed.

"I'm off!"

"Call me anytime if you need anything."

Hong Zhiyou made a gesture of making a phone call and sauntered out.

He came to deliver the items only to prove one thing: Li Ya's attitude.

From the nuances of Li Ya's words and expressions, it wasn't hard to see Li Ya's disgust for Mei Yingxue.

It seemed the day to take action was not far off.

Hong Zhiyou returned to the Station Chief's office.

Wu Jingzhong was talking with Yu Zecheng.

"Zecheng, go handle it."

"Remember."

"I heard that kid loves playing with women; discipline is quite strict in Jinhai right now. Changing prisons to eat something better is fine, but if he dares to bring a woman into the prison, I'll shoot him dead."

Wu Jingzhong instructed.

"Yes, Station Chief, I will definitely pass on the exact words," Yu Zecheng accepted the order.

Seeing Hong Zhiyou, he nodded slightly and walked out.

"Teacher, Li Ya already knows Mei Yingxue's identity," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Hmm."

"With Mei Yingxue's temperament, she will definitely act like Jiang Gan stealing intelligence, or even try to turn Li Ya."

"I know Li Ya; his loyalty to the Party-State is beyond doubt."

"By then, he'll be sick of her."

"Hmph, let her jump around for two more days; there will be a time for her to meet the King of Hell."

Wu Jingzhong sneered.

"Teacher, the Madam is going to North America today; let me go see her off," Hong Zhiyou said again.

"No need, I had Mei Shao accompany her."

"Once she reaches North America, he doesn't need to come back; clean and quiet, so he doesn't get covered in shit back home that he can't wipe off later."

Wu Jingzhong's eyes turned cold, and he said in a deep voice.

"Teacher is still the most thoughtful," Hong Zhiyou had to admire.

"By the way."

"Liu Yuzhu took a plane to Xiangdao last night, to the very island I bought."

"As long as her investigation goes smoothly this time, she can persuade Ma Hansan.

"We will have a chance to pick Ma Hansan's pockets."

Hong Zhiyou said.

Wu Jingzhong shook his head, leaned in closer, pointed at him, and said:

"Your consideration is still not detailed enough.

"Does this woman have any close relatives like parents or a younger brother?

"If she does, find a way to get them moved over.

"Without this leverage, even if we nail her and Ma Hansan in Beiping, once someone like Ma Hansan is targeted by Jianfeng, he will definitely be made an example of in a public trial.

"When that time comes, Liu Yuzhu will certainly have to testify in court; if you don't give her some peace of mind, she will definitely sell out Xiangdao to save her own life.

"As long as she doesn't sell out the Xiangdao matter, this money will be safely in our pockets.

"It would be best to get this woman pregnant with Ma Hansan's child.

"Even if you have to forge a medical certificate or something at the critical moment, although Ma Hansan is a miser, without this kind of hook, he might just confess the moment he's pressured.

"If you're going to do it, do it thoroughly.

"Ma Hansan and that woman must be made to keep their mouths shut tight."

"Yes!" Hong Zhiyou nodded.

"It's definitely not the time to move against Old Ma yet, I will first persuade Liu Yuzhu to have her relatives transferred over," he added.

"Good.

"Have you heard?" Wu Jingzhong changed the subject.

"Heard what?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"The Chairman is flying to Shenyang next month to oversee the battle, and the Lady will stop by Jinhai on the way to meet with military and political officials and party elders in the Pingjin area.

"Last time, Sun Ke messed up the errand.

"The Chairman was wary of his status and couldn't reprimand him, but he cursed him as a straw bag plenty of times in private.

"The Americans are applying great pressure, and implementing constitutional government is inevitable.

"The Chairman has the Reds in front and Li Zongren and Bai Chongxi behind; he is in a difficult position too.

"The Lady is coming to Jinhai this time to meet with various celebrities at the Universal Hotel, and the security has been handed to us; it's difficult."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"Teacher, the underground Reds in Jinhai have been mostly wiped out.

"Besides, the Reds usually only target traitors; as long as we do a good job with security, there shouldn't be any trouble," Hong Zhiyou said.

"I'm not worried about the Reds.

"I'm worried about the Bureau of Confidentiality, about Mao Renfeng.

"I've received word that Lin Tai will likely accompany the Lady; back in Boss Dai's time, the Bureau of Confidentiality had a precedent of assassinating her.

"She has always sympathized with the Reds.

"That damn Democratic League always loves to sing a different tune than the Chairman, and the people inside are all veteran figures.

"The propaganda these people spread for the Red areas is more effective than a hundred thousand elite troops; why is it that when the generals of the major war zones fight the Japanese, they are all first-class famous generals, fierce as dragons and tigers?

"But when it comes to fighting the Reds, they all become spineless cowards.

"Is it that they aren't capable?

"The Japanese weapons were far more advanced than the Reds' millet and rifles.

"A large part of the reason is that they were agitated by people like Lin Tai, and deep down, they didn't want to or were passive about suppressing the Reds.

"And don't forget, Lin Tai is Mr. Sun's widow.

"Her stance and influence can shake the very foundations of the party and state.

"The Chairman hates their group to the bone."

Wu Jingzhong sighed with a worried expression.

"Does Teacher mean that the Chairman will secretly give orders to Mao Renfeng?" Hong Zhiyou said.

"The Chairman wouldn't do something so stupid.

"The whole world knows he wants to get rid of Lin Tai, but these words must never come from his mouth or Jianfeng's.

"First, because of the Lady.

"Second, Lin Tai's status is too high; if there really were an accident, it wouldn't be a laughing matter.

"Don't forget, there is a large group of Mr. Sun's old associates in North America overseas.

"These people have deep influence in the United States.

"Who knows, Li Zongren might just rise to power by riding this evil wind."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"Then what is the Chairman's attitude?" Hong Zhiyou was confused.

"Simple.

"He both wants Lin Tai dead and fears her death.

"Wanting her dead comes from the bottom of his heart, but he fears her death being linked to him and his son.

"Such subtle matters can only be understood by subordinates.

"Mao Renfeng is someone who excels at pondering such thoughts, so he will definitely handle this for the Chairman."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"Do you know why Boss Dai was only a Major General until his death, yet held power over the entire court?

"It's because he understood the Chairman's heart.

"Shen Zui became the Director of the General Affairs Department at a young age, with the rank of General?

"The Chairman would call him rash and frivolous to his face, but if he didn't like him, would he let a young punk sit in the department's fattest position? Transferring him to Diannan was also a form of protection.

"Otherwise, with his rash nature, he would have been played to death by Mao Renfeng sooner or later.

"Why were he and Boss Dai liked and valued by the Chairman? It's because they both attempted to assassinate Lin Tai; whether they succeeded is one thing, but daring to defy the world is a matter of attitude!"

Wu Jingzhong continued.

"Mao Renfeng lacks the foundation and seniority, and many people are unconvinced by his leadership of the Bureau of Confidentiality.

"Following Boss Dai's lead in attacking Lin Tai is one of the few opportunities for him to show loyalty before the Chairman.

"Because of this, Lin Tai's trip with the Lady is very dangerous."

Hong Zhiyou frowned and said.

"Yes.

"I'm just afraid Mao Renfeng won't grasp the true essence of Boss Dai.

"Boss Dai's secret to dealing with the Old Man was to fail repeatedly, yet keep trying; he could be cursed as a 'bastard' or a 'useless coward,' and he could be stabbed in the back by thousands, but he would never actually succeed in the assassination.

"He gained the Old Man's trust through being scolded.

"Not through bloodshed.

"Many times, the task doesn't have to be completed, but the attitude and determination must be shown!

"This is the same logic as Sun Ke failing to canvass votes in Jinhai and shifting the blame onto Li Zongren."

Wu Jingzhong sighed.

"This is indeed very troublesome.

"If something happens to Lin Tai in Jinhai, it will be your fault, Teacher, either way.

"If she doesn't die, the Chairman will be unhappy, and Mao Renfeng will use the assassination attempt as an excuse to cause you trouble for poor security and frightening the Lady.

"If she dies, the Lady will be unhappy.

"Mao Renfeng will still use your poor security as an excuse to find fault and punish you.

"On the contrary, for him, he will either earn merit before the Chairman.

"If he can't earn merit and there's no assassination, he has still expressed loyalty to the Chairman, and by the way, he can pull you down, Teacher, to help Mao Wanli take the Jinhai Station he has long coveted.

"He wins no matter what."

Hong Zhiyou frowned, suddenly feeling that this game of chess was unsolvable.

"Yes, the situation is not in my favor," Wu Jingzhong said with a wry smile and a sigh, his hands behind his back.

"Does Teacher already have a countermeasure?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"If he wants to play dirty, I will play an open strategy."

Wu Jingzhong smiled slightly, walked to the desk, and picked up the phone:

"Wu Jingzhong of Jinhai Station, please connect me to the Number Two Residence."

After waiting for a moment, Jianfeng's voice came from the other end.

"I have an urgent matter to report to you.

"On the third of next month, the Lady and Lin Tai will fly to Shenyang with the Chairman, and they will stop in Jinhai on the way.

"It is reported that the Lady and Lin Tai may meet with military and political representatives and democratic figures.

"I, Jingzhong, though untalented, wish to inherit Boss Dai's legacy and assassinate Lin Tai; I await your instructions, Leader."

As soon as he said this.

Jianfeng on the other end was stunned; after a few seconds of silence, he hung up the phone directly.

Wu Jingzhong put down the phone, then picked it up again, preparing to dial another number.

"Teacher, what were the instructions?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"No instructions, and he wouldn't dare give any."

"In any case, I've already made my stance clear to him; let them have the headache."

Wu Jingzhong chuckled and shook his head, then quickly dialed another number:

"Wu Jingzhong of the Jinmen Station, connect me to the dedicated line for Director Mao at headquarters.

"Hello, Director Mao, this is Jingzhong.

"Lin Tai is coming to Jinmen next week. It's like this: before Boss Dai passed, he gave me instructions that once Lin Tai passed through Jinmen, I must settle this person to silence the clamor.

"I have been waiting and hoping, and finally, this opportunity has arrived.

"I am untalented, but I wish to carry out the Boss's dying wish and must execute this person in Jinmen; I ask for Director Mao's approval.

"Rest assured, I have already sought instructions from Jiang Jianfeng.

"But I feel this matter is an internal affair of our Secret Service Bureau, so I still need your nod.

"With just one word from you, I guarantee Jinmen will be her burial ground.

"Good, good.

"Please reply as soon as possible so I can make arrangements.

"Goodbye, Director Mao."

Wu Jingzhong hung up the phone with a smile.

"Strike first to gain the advantage.

"I took the initiative to request this mission from Jiang Jianfeng and him; it's not that he doesn't have a share in this display of loyalty, but at the very least, Mao Renfeng has to rank behind me now.

"If he's sensible and feels this deal isn't worth it, he should honestly swallow all that belly full of bad intentions."

Wu Jingzhong pointed at the telephone, pursed his lips, and gave a proud smile.

"Teacher's move is truly brilliant.

"Jiang Jianfeng is probably having a headache right now, and Mao Renfeng must be furious!"

Hong Zhiyou was absolutely impressed by his "father-in-law's" bureaucratic maneuvering.

"Guess what Jiang Jianfeng will do now?" Wu Jingzhong took a sip of tea, cleared his throat, and said.

"I guess he is calling Li Ya," Hong Zhiyou said, blinking his eyes.

"Correct.

"He won't state his position, and he wouldn't dare to, but he will definitely have Li Ya keep an eye on me.

"Lin Tai is too important.

"I reckon that father and son will hesitate for quite a while.

"Let Li Ya act as a scout; either call a stop at the appropriate time or stay silent and let us carry it out!"

Wu Jingzhong said.

"Then are we really going to carry it out?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"Of course, it must be carried out; loyalty cannot rely solely on shouting slogans.

"We are the most professional department, doing the most unprofessional things.

"Learn from Boss Dai and Shen Zui, those clever devils: assassinate but never succeed, failing time and time again.

"Doesn't Yu Zecheng know that Mr. Yong?

"See if that Mr. Yong can make contact with Lin Tai, let us fire a few blanks, and make a full show of this performance.

"Start by firing a few shots to test the waters.

"If that doesn't work.

"You go get gunpowder, high-explosive bombs, and the like.

"Make a big scene, let Li Ya report it to Jiang Jianfeng, and scare Jiang Jianfeng and Mao Renfeng to death."

Wu Jingzhong laughed.

"Teacher, wouldn't that make you look... like you're damaging your reputation as a veteran of the Military Statistics Bureau?" Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"Pah.

"Reputations are empty; daring to act is what makes a hero.

"Besides, I was sent by the old guard; I'm not used to new tricks, I only know the old three: shooting from the shadows, poisoning, and setting explosives. Isn't that very Wu Jingzhong?"

Wu Jingzhong laughed at his own words.

"I think that works!

"But for Lin Tai, will she cooperate?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"She will.

"The Democratic League and the Reds love to hype up how someone is assassinating them, claiming it's undemocratic and demanding condemnation.

"Let them make a scene if they want.

"Even if the Generalissimo has to reprimand me on the surface, in private, he will only appreciate my loyalty even more.

"Jinmen must remain mine."

Wu Jingzhong had long since seen through the ways of officialdom.

"Alright, I'll go get the guns and explosives now," Hong Zhiyou said.

"No rush.

"First, see if Li Ya can finish off Yingxue, or better yet, that foreign devil named James.

"A deputy head of an international observation group dying—that's a big enough matter.

"It should be enough to scare Mrs. Kang and Lin Tai.

"In the current situation, things are getting worse by the day; for us, earning some nutrition money for the child is the top priority."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"Yes, this student has learned much," Hong Zhiyou said, convinced.

"Go get busy.

"The New Year is coming soon, it's getting livelier and livelier."

Wu Jingzhong sighed.

At night.

Mei Yingxue lay in James's arms, her eyes full of happiness and sweetness.

"Darling, I heard some great news today," she said to her "foreign daddy" in a fawning manner.

"Oh, what good news?" James asked.

"My fiancé, Li Ya from the Secret Service Bureau, has become the Inspection Division Chief of the Agriculture and Mining Bureau.

"Aren't you looking for data on the National Government's mining and agriculture?

"Isn't it right here?"

Mei Yingxue lifted her chin, looking proud.

"That's wonderful.

"Handle him; if you can persuade him to serve our British Empire and develop him into an employee of Section Six.

"With his proof of attendance, signatures, and so on.

"My report to the House of Lords will be even more convincing.

"And you will be heroes of our Empire.

"Your nationality.

"His British citizenship—none of it will be a problem."

James kissed her and shouted with immense joy.

"Also.

"You must facilitate this as soon as possible; I don't want to act in this damned place for another day.

"Once we have the report and the signatures, we'll go back to England together.

"The Royal Family will open the best champagne to celebrate for us."

He was already impatient.

(End of chapter)